The pink shirt can be a welcome addition to any everyday wardrobe. We’ve put together a list of ways to style suit and tie combinations with a pink shirt that will make you want to add some color to your wardrobe!
While the pink shirt is traditionally more associated with femininity, the looks featured on the Spring/Summer 2016 runways from designers such as Etro, Louis Vuitton and Ermanno Scervino prove that the color is one that men can indeed pull off. With shades ranging from fuchsia to pink and blush to salmon, pink can offer endless styling possibilities, depending on the specific look you’re going for.
Along with the classic white and pale blue oxford shirt, a pink men’s shirt is a must-have, especially for those who want to try a little color for the first time. Simply put, if you want to stand out from the fashion crowd, you’re going to have to start thinking outside the box.
Pink shirts for men
Light pinks/pastels are great shades to start with, as they are ideal for those looking to test the waters of color experimentation before committing to bolder shades. Fret not guys, because pink goes with almost any neutral color and flatters most skin tones. The key to success is to first choose the shade of pink for your shirt (whether light or dark) and build the look around that. This minimizes the risk of excess and ensures that the rest of the outfit complements the shirt.
There are two key styles to consider; the casual shirt (with short or long sleeves) and the more formal dress shirt. Another important thing to consider is the fit of the shirt.
shirt size
When it comes to the fit of the shirt, the regular fit and the slim fit will be the two main styles to choose from. The style you choose depends entirely on how you choose to style the look. A helpful note, due to its boxier shape, the classic shirt is a good option for those who prioritize comfort over style. Are you a more fashion-conscious man? Then the slim fit is for you.
Light Pink Shirt
If you prefer to gradually introduce yourself to pink shirts, it is better to opt for the tint in a lighter color. Pastels are a great starting point and work best when paired with a tie in a bold hue to offset the look. Blues and purples are great choices. For a more casual look, opt for a regular shirt without a tie and pair it with chinos in a muted, versatile color like gray or beige.
Light pink dress shirt
The dress shirt is a staple in any wardrobe, the right choice effortlessly transforming a formal look. The three indispensable colors of these that every man must possess are; a bright white, a pale blue and of course, a pale pink. Turn to preppy designers like Ralph Lauren for tips on how to wear these essentials. The dress shirt is extremely versatile as it can be dressed up, but it also looks great when styled with oxfords and a blazer.
Shirt and tie combinations
When approaching dress shirt and tie combos, you can pair them with patterned ties or opt for a more solid hue. Exactly what tie colors work, I hear you ask? The colors can come in an assortment of shades, but for those who are a little intimidated in matching bright to bright, then opting for a tie in the same family but in a darker shade will be the best bet. For example, pair a pink shirt with a dark purple tie. Note that the tie should generally be a darker color than your shirt.
The color wheel
For those of you who aren’t sure what colors to use in your shirt and tie combinations, the color wheel is a handy tool for determining complementary shades. The general rule is that directly opposite colors – as well as those next to each other – on the wheel, are ideal for matching. For example, light pinks go well with blues, blue-greens, mauve pinks and reds.
For the more shy among you, stick with mauve pinks and purples because while the colors are always bold, keeping them in the same family ensures that your look has a sense of clear harmony while remaining subtle. Well, as subtle as wearing a pink shirt lets you be. For those who are a bit more adventurous, you can experiment by choosing tie shades that are a totally different color than your shirt, but still complementary.
Think gray suit with a red tie, or different shades of blue. While the thought of pairing a pink shirt with an equally eye-catching color may seem mortifying, when done correctly it will add a welcome touch to your outfits.
Presentation of patterns and fabrics
While it’s tempting to keep it simple, once you’ve adopted a bit of color, why not consider introducing patterns into the mix? While that notion might be a bit too much for those getting used to the idea of a pink shirt, getting inventive with your tie and shirt combinations is a great way to show off your originality. Approach this with caution though, as mixing colors and prints together can be a disaster if not done correctly.
tie patterns
Ties are the easiest starting point for injecting patterns, colors and character into an outfit. Stripes and polka dots are perhaps the easiest to work with and can be effortlessly incorporated into both casual and formal looks. Once you get the hang of them, you can start looking at more ornate prints such as paisley.
It won’t be for everyone though, and if you decide to go for this look, be sure to keep everything else pretty simple and let the tie be the focal point. This also includes keeping your shirt shade a subtle pink. A pastel pink shirt paired with a burgundy or purple paisley print tie would be an example.
In terms of color, sticking to the color wheel will ensure you don’t go wrong. We cannot stress this enough. Navy blue, burgundy, red, and teal are all hues to consider. Bow ties are also a viable option and will give outfits an immediate quirky edge. Break them out for summer parties and weddings, and you’ll be the best-dressed man on the dance floor.
Shirt patterns and fabrics
The pattern set can also be applied to the shirt itself. For example, checkered and striped shirts can be considered alternatives to plain pink. Stripes look especially good with a solid color suit and tie. If you go for a plaid pattern, be sure to opt for a small rather than a large print to avoid creating an eyesore.
If you choose to stick with a plain pink shirt, why not play around with different shirt fabrics to enhance the look, while keeping it simple? Herringbone and twill are just a few examples, with seersucker, poplin and linen being great spring/summer alternatives.
Suit Jumpsuits
Working the pink shirt into a more formal look is definitely something to try, with a good suit and tie really melting the look if you’re trying to go smarter.
Suit and tie combinations
A good quality suit and tie are the foundation of any successful formal look and should be considered carefully. While the standard two-piece suit is a no-brainer, consider three-piece suits for effortless sophistication. For the ultimate casual summer style, pair your pastel pink shirt with a silk tie and a linen suit in an understated hue. Skinny ties can also be considered FYI.
Suit, shirt and tie combinations
Once the suit and tie have been chosen, only the shirt remains to complete the look. If you go for a more formal vibe, a dress shirt will be your go-to. Silk ties are always advisable if you are dressing up, but they can easily be worked into more casual looks. If you do opt for something a little more casual, try a cotton tie paired with a blazer and chinos instead.
Suit color combinations
When looking at suit color combinations, darker shades are a good place to start for those a little apprehensive about trying the trend. Black is an obvious choice and always looks great. For those who want to stray from the standard black, navy blue is a great option, offsetting the pink perfectly.
Add a tie in a complementary shade and you’re done. While gray, navy, and black are all foolproof options, it’s worth taking advantage of the adaptable nature of the pink shirt. For example, light blue and camel work well too. Experimentation is the key.
Gray suit jumpsuits
Gray can also be a great color option. As it’s easy for a gray suit to look dull, a pink shirt provides an instant pick-me-up, making it a perfect pick for workwear with a twist. A dark gray suit and a light gray suit can be considered.
A dark gray suit should be paired with a lighter pink, while a light gray suit looks best when worn with a darker shade of pink. Note that neutral tones should always be paired with darker shades to avoid washing out. If you’re likely to head in that direction, add a bold tie to break up the look.
Gray Suit Pink Shirt
The gray suit and pink tie combination is ideal for an understated look that still packs a punch. For those who don’t want to stand out too much, but still want to stand out from the crowd, this is for you.
Suit and tie jumpsuits with a pink shirt
- If you feel slightly intimidated by a hot pink shirttry a pale first for a less intense look.
- Ties should always be darker than the shirt for a well-crafted look.
- Navy, gray and black suits looks best when paired with pink shirts.
- If in doubt, refer to the color wheel to determine which colors go well together.
- The fit of your shirt, as well as your suit, is essential. The slim fit is perfect for a contemporary look, while a classic fit is designed for comfort.
On that note
So guys, don’t be afraid to play around with a little pink. One of the biggest benefits of fashion is that it allows for experimentation, whether it’s with different colors, cuts, or patterns. So grab your pink shirts, striped ties and have fun. Sure, it can be daunting, but a little practice is all it takes. The only accessory you really need is confidence, so you can rock anything. Remember that real men wear pink.
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